Scott Heads To DC To Fight For Low Income Patient Funding
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami/AP) — The federal government funds for hospitals that treat low-income and Medicaid patients are set to expire next month.
Gov. Rick Scott is heading to Washington to try to convince the Obama administration to grant an extension and release the $1 billion in funds the state's hospitals have been receiving.
So far the federal government has balked at the idea. They want states to expand Medicaid, arguing it's more efficient to give people money to help buy health insurance than to pay hospitals for caring for the uninsured retroactively.
Scott said he'll meet with Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell Wednesday to seek an answer so the gridlocked Florida Legislature can create a budget when they convene for a special session.
The governor filed a lawsuit last month accusing federal officials of illegally coercing the state to expand Medicaid to get the hospital funds. Governors in Kansas and Texas have pledged support.
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